When it comes to British craftsmanship, there is one brand that comes immediately to mind: Mulberry. It was launched in 1971 by founder Roger Saul at his kitchen table in Somerset, England. The Somerset countryside has always been at the heart of the brand’s DNA – with a tree logo and equestrian design details – while the energy and style of London is also a huge influence.
Mulberry handbags have become a timeless accessory choice for a long list of celebrity fans, including the Princess of Wales, The Duchess of Sussex, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung. Mulberry has an aversion to the throwaway trend cycle, and has stayed loyal to a timeless design ethos, creating handbags you are likely to carry for decades, rather than years. It is also important to mention Mulberry’s “Made to Last” commitment – a manifesto which details the steps the brand is taking to be more green and transparent about its supply chain and carbon footprint.
It has also launched a “pre-loved” section on its website, where it sells second-hand bags that have been authenticated and given some love by the artisans at one of its repair centres in Somerset. The archive is very important to the brand’s designs, as new releases are often reimaginings of previous silhouettes or have a nod to established design details. If you are thinking of investing in a Mulberry handbag, below we explain the different styles and why each is so popular.
Keep reading for a guide to the most-loved Mulberry handbags, with details about why we rate them. The Bayswater The Bayswater is a Mulberry classic that you might associate with the Noughties It-crowd. It launched in 2003, but 20 years later remains just as popular – this is certainly a style with longevity.
It has a simple, streamlined shape, curved top handle and a postman lock on the flap. Kate Moss and Meghan Markle are just two of the A-Listers who have been photographed with a black Bayswater tucked in their elbow. The Alexa The Alexa likely needs no introduction, as it is truly a fashion classic.
The cross-body satchel handbag first launched in January 2010 and was designed for Alexa Chung, who in the Noughties was often photographed with a vintage Mulberry Elkington briefcase. In 2020 it re-released the Alexa, with some conscious updates: it is made with leather from gold standard, environmentally accredited tanneries and crafted at the brand’s carbon neutral UK factories. “The Alexa still feels unique and relevant; it’s both laid-back and luxurious, and when coupled with the new sustainable updates, it ensures that it still feels very modern,” Mulberry CEO Thierry Andretta told British Vogue at the time of the launch.
The Amberley The Amberley is a favourite of the Princess of Wales, as she has worn several different styles on her royal engagements. This style is inspired by British countryside, with equestrian hardware and a satchel shape. It is a refined choice, but comes in lots of different colours such as green, poplin blue and “sunset”, making it a modern, elegant choice.
The Lily The Lily is the perfect every day choice, as it comes with a minimalist silhouette and a delicate chain strap, simple rectangular shape and the iconic Postman’s lock. This style was first added to the Mulberry line up in 2010 and remains a hero design. Mulberry last year made a Lily Zero collection, with the bags made from carbon-neutral leather and created in the carbon-neutral factory in Somerset, and offsetting all elements of production, packaging and transportation.
An investment buy you can feel good about buying. The Iris The Iris was launched in the autumn/winter 2019 collection and is a relaxed tote with a structured, braided top handle bag. You can buy different patterns and colours of the handle, which means you can easily change the look and feel of your handbag for different occasions or seasons.
Plus, shop our favourite new-in styles.
